Zombie makeup has been a perennial favorite among Halloween enthusiasts for years, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s something undeniably thrilling about transforming into The Walking Dead, with gruesome wounds, rotting flesh, and a hunger for brains. As we approach 2023, the world of zombie makeup continues to evolve, offering even more creative and terrifying possibilities. Whether you’re gearing up for a Halloween party, a cosplay event, or simply want to unleash your inner zombie, here are some exciting zombie makeup ideas to try this year.
Classic Zombie
The classic zombie look never goes out of style. To achieve this timeless undead appearance, start with a pale base and then add dark circles around your eyes to create a sunken effect. Use dark eyeshadows to enhance the hollows of your cheeks and temples. Don’t forget to add fake blood for that freshly fed-on-human look. Tear some old clothes, smear them with dirt, and complete the ensemble with tattered clothing for that authentic zombie apocalypse vibe.
Corpse Bride Zombie
Combining elements of classic Halloween characters, the Corpse Bride Zombie is both eerie and beautiful. Achieve a ghostly, ethereal appearance by putting on a pale base, then accentuate your eyes with dark, dramatic makeup. For an added touch of haunting elegance, consider using colored contact lenses Halloween that have special texture or an effect that can elevate your look. Enhance the ghostly effect with silver or white highlights and use body paint to mimic the look of tattered bridal attire. Add some fake flowers to your hair for that hauntingly romantic touch.
Zombie Joker
For a twist on the traditional zombie, why not try a Zombie Joker look? Start with the classic Joker makeup, featuring a pale face with green hair and dark, smudged eye makeup. Then, add gruesome zombie elements, such as exposed wounds, rotting flesh, and blood splatters. This mashup creates a uniquely horrifying and instantly recognizable look.
Cyberpunk Zombie
Incorporate a futuristic twist into your zombie makeup with a Cyberpunk Zombie. Begin with a metallic base color, such as silver or chrome, to give your skin a robotic, otherworldly appearance. Then, add traditional zombie elements like wounds, exposed bones, and dripping blood. To complete the look, add cybernetic enhancements with metallic body paint, wires, and LED lights, turning yourself into a high-tech zombie from the future.
Day of the Dead Zombie
Combine the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the Day of the Dead with the gruesome features of a zombie to create a striking and unique look. Start with a white base and use colorful face paints to create intricate sugar skull patterns on your face. To enhance the otherworldly aura, consider adding white contacts to your eyes. Then, add zombie elements like exposed bones, wounds, and decayed flesh. The contrast between the vibrant colors and the gruesome details makes for a visually stunning and spooky ensemble.
Zombie Pirate
Bring a touch of swashbuckling horror to your zombie makeup with a Zombie Pirate look. Begin with a tattered pirate costume and add traditional pirate accessories like an eye patch, a bandana, and a cutlass. Then, apply makeup to create a weathered, sunken appearance with dark, hollowed eyes and decaying features. Finish the look with seaweed, barnacles, and even a fake parrot for an undead pirate captain vibe.
Toxic Zombie
Imagine the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world where toxic waste has transformed the living into the undead. To create a Toxic Zombie look, start with a green or sickly yellow base to mimic the effects of radiation poisoning. Add fake boils, blisters, and bubbling skin using liquid latex and body paint. Incorporate glowing effects with UV-reactive makeup or body paint for a chilling, radioactive touch.
Zombie Animal
Why limit your zombie creativity to humans? Transform yourself into a Zombie Animal, whether it’s a zombie cat, dog, or any creature of your choice. Start with a base that matches the animal’s fur or scales and add realistic zombie features like exposed bones, torn flesh, and blood. Don’t forget to incorporate the animal’s distinctive features, such as ears, tails, or beaks, into the undead look.
Zombie Clown
Clowns are already unsettling to many, but a Zombie Clown takes the horror to a whole new level. Begin with the typical clown makeup: exaggerated features, colorful patterns, and a red nose. Then, add zombie elements like rotting flesh, torn clothing, and gruesome wounds. The juxtaposition of cheerful clown makeup and horrifying zombie features creates a truly disturbing and unforgettable look.
Retro Zombie
Step back in time with a Retro-Zombie look inspired by different eras. Whether you choose the 1920s, 1950s, or any other period, adapt the makeup and clothing style accordingly. Use black-and-white or sepia tones for a vintage effect, and add traditional zombie elements to complete the look. This creative twist on zombie makeup allows you to explore various time periods while embracing the undead aesthetic.
Whether you opt for the classic zombie look or venture into uncharted territory with a futuristic, retro, or themed approach, the key is to have fun while unleashing your inner zombie and bringing your undead fantasies to life. So, grab your makeup brushes, unleash your creativity, and get ready to spook and amaze everyone with your terrifyingly awesome zombie makeup.
